Technology in Education: What's New
By Mike Agerbo
August 25, 2015
Teachers & Education
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Over the years technology has changed the way kids learn both in and out of the classroom. Computers, tablets, and the Internet have given kids access to more information than ever before. Along with other technology, they’ve also made it easy for kids to pursue creative interests, such as graphic design and photography. As new technology—like 3D printers—becomes more affordable, it stands to change the way kids learn even further, giving them the ability to learn new practical skills and see existing curriculum in a new light. If you’re a parent or educator, there are a few interesting technologies you should keep an eye on in the near future:
3D Printers
3D print technology has been around for a while but it is becoming more affordable and improving every day. While the benefits of 3D print technology around the home are clear, many don’t consider the benefits of this technology in education. 3D printers are useful at all levels of education. For example, kids can learn about science and math using 3D printed models as opposed to relying on textbooks. As they get older, 3D printers can be used to learn design and engineering. Using design software and having an opportunity to experience product and prototype design first-hand are valuable practical skills that can spark creativity and open kids’ minds to new professions.
Many universities have already begun investing in 3D printers to help with areas of study such as engineering. As the technology becomes more widespread and affordable, elementary, high schools, and home users will also invest more heavily in this technology.
HP Sprout
The HP Sprout is the first consumer product of its kind, using a 3D projector and scanner to help bring projects to life. Using the Sprout, kids can take a physical object, scan it into a digital model, manipulate it, and bring it back to life using the projector. Combined with a 3D printer, this technology is a powerful design and creation tool that can inspire aspiring designers or inventors. Using its 3D projector, the Sprout can also bring math and science models, much the way 3D printers do.
The Sprout is a powerful creative tool for younger children as well, allowing them to interact with 2D projects such as drawings and paintings using apps like the Crayola Color Draw & Sing. They can also bring creations such as colouring pages to life using the 3D projector.
While the Sprout launched fairly recently, I don’t expect it to take too long to catch on as an educational tool and start appearing in classrooms.
Drones
Not long ago, drones were reserved for professionals such as filmmakers and photographers. With more affordable models becoming available to consumers, amateurs and budding filmmakers can now learn how to capture phenomenal aerial footage. College and university videography courses are already integrating drones into their curriculum and it’s a matter of time before high schools catch on. Kids interested in videography will find that drones open up a whole new world when it comes to the their creative projects.
With all this new technology catching on, learning promises to become more exciting for kids while allowing them to learn new practical skills. Along with being easily integrated into classrooms, a lot of this technology is a great asset to the home allowing parents to cultivate their kids curiosity and creativity.
3D Printers
3D print technology has been around for a while but it is becoming more affordable and improving every day. While the benefits of 3D print technology around the home are clear, many don’t consider the benefits of this technology in education. 3D printers are useful at all levels of education. For example, kids can learn about science and math using 3D printed models as opposed to relying on textbooks. As they get older, 3D printers can be used to learn design and engineering. Using design software and having an opportunity to experience product and prototype design first-hand are valuable practical skills that can spark creativity and open kids’ minds to new professions.
Many universities have already begun investing in 3D printers to help with areas of study such as engineering. As the technology becomes more widespread and affordable, elementary, high schools, and home users will also invest more heavily in this technology.
HP Sprout
The HP Sprout is the first consumer product of its kind, using a 3D projector and scanner to help bring projects to life. Using the Sprout, kids can take a physical object, scan it into a digital model, manipulate it, and bring it back to life using the projector. Combined with a 3D printer, this technology is a powerful design and creation tool that can inspire aspiring designers or inventors. Using its 3D projector, the Sprout can also bring math and science models, much the way 3D printers do.
The Sprout is a powerful creative tool for younger children as well, allowing them to interact with 2D projects such as drawings and paintings using apps like the Crayola Color Draw & Sing. They can also bring creations such as colouring pages to life using the 3D projector.
While the Sprout launched fairly recently, I don’t expect it to take too long to catch on as an educational tool and start appearing in classrooms.
Drones
Not long ago, drones were reserved for professionals such as filmmakers and photographers. With more affordable models becoming available to consumers, amateurs and budding filmmakers can now learn how to capture phenomenal aerial footage. College and university videography courses are already integrating drones into their curriculum and it’s a matter of time before high schools catch on. Kids interested in videography will find that drones open up a whole new world when it comes to the their creative projects.
With all this new technology catching on, learning promises to become more exciting for kids while allowing them to learn new practical skills. Along with being easily integrated into classrooms, a lot of this technology is a great asset to the home allowing parents to cultivate their kids curiosity and creativity.